UN expert rejects Philippines conditions for fact-finding mission on drugs war

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UN expert rejects Philippines conditions for fact-finding mission on drugs war

3 January 2017
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

The UN Special Rapporteur on summary executions has called on the Government of the Philippines to lift a series of preconditions it has imposed on her planned visit to investigate the alleged extra-judicial killings of suspected drug dealers since President Rodrigo Duterte took office.

Agnes Callamard said Special Rapporteurs follow the Code of Conduct adopted by the Human Rights Council, which should be honoured by the Government of the Philippines. She issued a detailed rebuttal* of the preconditions, saying some were beneath the dignity of the victims and of her mandate.

“I deeply regret the Government’s position and urge the authorities to reconsider their demands,” Ms. Callamard said. “I have suggested an alternative in response to their proposals, which comply with the Human Rights Council’s code of conduct governing country visits by Special Rapporteurs.”

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